History of MPF
Preservation of the Past, Guidance for the Present, and Design for the Future
In 1980, a handful of residents of the Village of Mariemont joined together to create the Mariemont Preservation Foundation. The organization was incorporated in December of 1980 with the stated purpose being, "To receive and maintain funds to be used for public benefit to maintain and enhance the historic integrity of the Village, to avoid urban decay and beautify the Village, and to preserve and improve parks, playgrounds and public area. Such activities are for the ultimate purpose of enriching the lives of citizens of Mariemont."
The original Board of Trustees consisted of Clarence Erickson (the mayor at that time), Jim Cunningham, Alison Rink, Paul Prevey, Hope Kain, Caroline Schwenkmeyer, Ed Steinau, Warren Harding, and Millard Rogers. Twenty-five years later, Mr. Erickson and Mr. Rogers are still active Board members.
The first undertaking of the fledgling organization was to develop a landscape plan for the Village Square. As of June 1981, the group had $972.94 in the Treasury and met in the Council Chambers. The following year, MPF drafted a Master Plan for the Village, installed two antique lamps in front of the Municipal Building, planted trees in the Village Square, presented photos of the early Village taken by Nancy Ford Cones, and began a street lamp preservation project with financial support from the Emery Memorial.
As time went on, the group took on a wider range of activities. MPF was instrumental in pushing for a ban on digging at the Madisonville Site, an area with great archaeological significance. They also began to collect materials relating to the history of the Village, and in 1985, MPF moved to the Dale Park School (currently the Junior High). There was some storage space for the burgeoning Archives, as well as space to meet and conduct business. However, as the organization continued to expand, more space was needed, and in 1989, MPF renovated the old CG&E transformer building as their permanent headquarters.
Today, MPF has expanded its mission statement to encompass a variety of activities, as follows:
"To foster within the community an appreciation of the unique qualities of the Village. To assure the continuity of the principles of town planning. To collect and preserve historic archives and artifacts, and to protect historic properties. To perpetuate the dream of Mariemont's founder, Mary Emery, of the Village as a special place for family life."
The volunteers who make up MPF's Board of Trustees are active in many areas of Village life. Some of the activities include:
- Sponsorship of Taste of Mariemont as a gift to Village residents
- Tours and presentations for area grade school children
- Grant writing to secure funds for preservation of historic buildings
- Bringing in speakers for a Spring Brunch
- Pursuing National Landmark Status for the Village
Mariemont Preservation
Foundation
Finally, Mariemont achieved National
Historic Landmark Status in 2007. A village ceremony celebrating this
achievement was held in October. Mayor Policastro marked the occasion by
recognizing resident an
d MPF Trustee, Millard Rogers, for his efforts in
securing this status for the Village. Generations to come owe Millard
special thanks for his tireless efforts.